Mary's experience and superior technique stood her in good stead as she carved out a unanimous 5:0 verdict against the veteran Sri Lankan fighter.

Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom (48kg) advanced to the Commonwealth Games final with a comprehensive triumph over Sri Lanka's Anusha Dilrukshi Koddithuwak on Wednesday in Gold Coast, Australia.

It was a battle of veterans as 35-year-old Mary Kom took on the 39-year-old Dilrukshi.

Mary's experience and superior technique stood her in good stead as she carved out a unanimous 5:0 verdict against the veteran Sri Lankan fighter.

The 39-year-old Anusha gave a good account of herself against the five-time world champion Indian before falling short in the end.

Both boxers were a bit cautious in the opening round, trying to gauge each other although Mary managed to land several punches.

Although the Lankan had the height and reach advantage, Mary - also a sitting Rajya Sabha MP in India - used a low guard and used her reflexes and feet movement to take the advantage.

Both boxers were equally matched in the second round before the tempo picked up in the third as Mary picked up the points with a steady barrage of punches.

Later in the day, Laishram Sarita Devi fell short in the women's 60kg category, going down to Australia's Anja Stridsman in the quarter-finals.

Sarita did well to trouble her opponent with superior technique and excellent movements throughout the fight and it came as surprise of sorts when the judges decided to award a unanimous 5:0 verdict in favour of the Australian.

Sarita dominated the opening round, attacking right from the start while the Australian had a more defensive approach.

The tempo picked up in the second round as Anja tried to match Sarita's pace and aggression. The Indian used her superior technique and experience in her attempt to outpunch her opponent, but Anja did well to give her a tough challenge.

Both boxers came out fighting in the third round. Anju used her superior height and strong left jabs in her attempt to keep the Indian at bay.